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In May 2016, I went on my first medical mission with different physician specialties to Honduras. Our medical brigade saw over 1,000 patients - I personally examined over 500 patients including 250 school children. This was their first eye exam as the area had never had an eye doctor before. It was an amazing experience for all of us!! Here is my video that I wanted to share with all of you.
A year later, in May 2017, I came back and what a wonderful 'sight' it was to these kids and adults blossom with their new vision! :-)
A year later, in May 2017, I came back and what a wonderful 'sight' it was to these kids and adults blossom with their new vision! :-)
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It is Dr. Young's strong belief to give back to the community. Throughout the years, Dr. Young has volunteered his time in numerous charitable efforts from helping the poor to our senior citizens to our pre-schoolers & elementary school children. Recently, for his outstanding volunteerism, Dr Young was recognized by the Danbury Lions Club as a "KNIGHT OF THE BLIND", THE HIGHEST STATE AWARD GIVEN BY THE LIONS CLUB! |
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Here are some highlights of Dr. Young's community service:
Newtown Elementary School Screening Program
The Newtown Lions Club, with Dr. Young's guidance, in partnership with the Newtown VNA has started a special school screening program for all Newtown (public & private) elementary school age children. Special non invasive equipment is used in the screening. It is the size of a camera. The child sees small lights and hears mild chirping sounds. Very pleasant. The screening take seconds per child, but can measure any need for an eyeglass prescription. It measures any eye turns (lazy eye) along with pupil sizes. It is NOT a test for any diseases. We have tested over 1000 children in 2018 - a great success! "Our children are precious...Their sight is precious".
Newtown's Health Fair
One of Newtown''s great yearly event is the Newtown Health Fair. Health Care Providers, First Responders and other crucial volunteers provide Newtown residents (& surrounding areas - no one is turned away!) with free health care screenings and information. Dr. Young takes care of the community by providing vision screenings to all that come, ages ranging from 4 to 104.
Danbury's Project Homeless Connect
Dr. Young, annually, helps the Homeless for Project Homeless Connect in Danbury providing vision exams, testing from glaucoma to refractions. Most years there are about 200 individuals and families that received services given at Western Connecticut State University.
Newtown Children's Pre-School Pediatric Eye Screenings
Yearly, Dr. Young and the Newtown Lions Club provide pediatric eye screenings for all preschool Newtown students. The testing is conducted using special equipment. The measurements let us know if your child needs glasses or has a lazy eye. Any child that has need of further testing is refered to Dr Young and other local eye specialists. Each year about 20% of children have undetected visual problems that cause challenges to their learning growth. Their ability to play sports and interact with teachers and fellow students can also be compromised. Children with visual dysfunctions can become easily distracted and thought to have some form of attention difficulties. The program was started a few years ago and has been "wildly successful". Dr. Young says, "Newtown children are 'my' children, and they need to see the best the can." Dr Young asks that you fill out and sign any permission slips that are sent home from your child's preschool. Please send them back immediately to allow your child to receive this most valuable screening.
Connecticut's Special Olympics Health Fair
Special Olympics is the world's largest sports organization for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, providing year-round training and competitions to more than 4 million athletes in 170 countries. Newtown was represented at the games by Dr. Joseph Young and the International Lions Club. Special Olympics Lions Club International Opening Eyes Program is run by Christopher L. Agro, O.D from Enfield, Connecticut. Dr. Young was joined by other doctors and volunteers at the Southern Connecticut State University. Athletes were tested for distance and near visual assessment, cover testing, stereo, color vision, auto-refraction, IOP (Glaucoma) and screened for signs of eye disease. All the athletes received sunglasses or sports goggles or RX eye wear as needed. The athletes were accompanied by family members, friends and coaches, some proudly wearing gold, silver or bronze medals won in their respective event. "It was an incredible Olympics, and an honor and a privilege to assist in the healthcare screening of these fine athletes." said Dr. Young. Special Olympics competitions are held every day, all around the world including local, national and regional competitions, adding up to more than 53,000 events a year.
Newtown Elementary School Screening Program
The Newtown Lions Club, with Dr. Young's guidance, in partnership with the Newtown VNA has started a special school screening program for all Newtown (public & private) elementary school age children. Special non invasive equipment is used in the screening. It is the size of a camera. The child sees small lights and hears mild chirping sounds. Very pleasant. The screening take seconds per child, but can measure any need for an eyeglass prescription. It measures any eye turns (lazy eye) along with pupil sizes. It is NOT a test for any diseases. We have tested over 1000 children in 2018 - a great success! "Our children are precious...Their sight is precious".
Newtown's Health Fair
One of Newtown''s great yearly event is the Newtown Health Fair. Health Care Providers, First Responders and other crucial volunteers provide Newtown residents (& surrounding areas - no one is turned away!) with free health care screenings and information. Dr. Young takes care of the community by providing vision screenings to all that come, ages ranging from 4 to 104.
Danbury's Project Homeless Connect
Dr. Young, annually, helps the Homeless for Project Homeless Connect in Danbury providing vision exams, testing from glaucoma to refractions. Most years there are about 200 individuals and families that received services given at Western Connecticut State University.
Newtown Children's Pre-School Pediatric Eye Screenings
Yearly, Dr. Young and the Newtown Lions Club provide pediatric eye screenings for all preschool Newtown students. The testing is conducted using special equipment. The measurements let us know if your child needs glasses or has a lazy eye. Any child that has need of further testing is refered to Dr Young and other local eye specialists. Each year about 20% of children have undetected visual problems that cause challenges to their learning growth. Their ability to play sports and interact with teachers and fellow students can also be compromised. Children with visual dysfunctions can become easily distracted and thought to have some form of attention difficulties. The program was started a few years ago and has been "wildly successful". Dr. Young says, "Newtown children are 'my' children, and they need to see the best the can." Dr Young asks that you fill out and sign any permission slips that are sent home from your child's preschool. Please send them back immediately to allow your child to receive this most valuable screening.
Connecticut's Special Olympics Health Fair
Special Olympics is the world's largest sports organization for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, providing year-round training and competitions to more than 4 million athletes in 170 countries. Newtown was represented at the games by Dr. Joseph Young and the International Lions Club. Special Olympics Lions Club International Opening Eyes Program is run by Christopher L. Agro, O.D from Enfield, Connecticut. Dr. Young was joined by other doctors and volunteers at the Southern Connecticut State University. Athletes were tested for distance and near visual assessment, cover testing, stereo, color vision, auto-refraction, IOP (Glaucoma) and screened for signs of eye disease. All the athletes received sunglasses or sports goggles or RX eye wear as needed. The athletes were accompanied by family members, friends and coaches, some proudly wearing gold, silver or bronze medals won in their respective event. "It was an incredible Olympics, and an honor and a privilege to assist in the healthcare screening of these fine athletes." said Dr. Young. Special Olympics competitions are held every day, all around the world including local, national and regional competitions, adding up to more than 53,000 events a year.